Related searches (suggested terms): port 5357 WSD, WSD SOAP GetDeviceInformation, disable WSD Windows, nmap http-wsd-discover
Port 5357 is a common sight during Windows penetration tests, often identified as Microsoft HTTPAPI httpd 2.0 or WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices API). While often overlooked, it serves as a critical discovery point for local network reconnaissance and legacy exploitation. Service Overview: WSDAPI
WSDAPI is Microsoft's implementation of the WS-Discovery protocol. It allows Windows machines to automatically discover and communicate with network-connected devices like printers, scanners, and file shares without manual configuration. Port 5357 (TCP): Used for HTTP-based communication. Port 5358 (TCP): Used for HTTPS-based communication. Port 3702 (UDP): Used for multicast discovery. Reconnaissance & Enumeration
When you encounter port 5357, the first step is to confirm the service and identify potential information leaks. 1. Nmap Service Detection
A standard version scan will often reveal the underlying HTTP server. nmap -sV -p 5357 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Expected Output: 5357/tcp open http Microsoft HTTPAPI httpd 2.0 (SSDP/UPnP). 2. Information Disclosure
Port 5357 can leak metadata useful for fingerprinting the target.
Hostnames & Device Names: WSD often broadcasts the actual name of the computer or printer.
OS Fingerprinting: The specific response from Microsoft-HTTPAPI/2.0 can help narrow down Windows versions (commonly seen in Vista, Windows 7, and Server 2008). Vulnerabilities & Exploitation 1. Remote Code Execution (MS09-063 / CVE-2009-2512)
This is the most critical historic vulnerability associated with port 5357. Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-063 - Critical
I notice you're asking about "port 5357 hacktricks" — this likely refers to port 5357 and its potential relevance in penetration testing or security research, possibly documented on the HackTricks platform.
Here’s what I can tell you:
Port 5357 is more than just an obscure port – it’s a potential entry point for unauthenticated info leaks, NTLM relaying, and legacy RCE. While not as juicy as 445, it’s often overlooked, making it a reliable target for lateral movement during internal penetration tests. If you see 5357 open, treat it as a lead, not a dead end.
Remember: in red teaming, every open port is a story waiting to be exploited.
This article is part of the HackTricks-style knowledge base. Always perform attacks only on systems you own or have explicit permission to test.
Uncovering the Secrets of Port 5357: A Comprehensive Guide to Hacktricks
Port 5357, a seemingly innocuous port number, has garnered significant attention in the realm of cybersecurity and hacking. As a vital component of the Windows operating system, this port is often exploited by hackers and penetration testers alike to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. In this article, we'll delve into the world of port 5357, exploring its significance, associated risks, and most importantly, how to leverage Hacktricks to navigate this complex landscape.
What is Port 5357?
Port 5357 is a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) port used by the Windows operating system for various purposes, including:
Why is Port 5357 a Target for Hackers?
The use of port 5357 for remote management and execution of commands makes it an attractive target for hackers. By exploiting vulnerabilities or misconfigurations associated with this port, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, execute malicious code, or even take control of the targeted system.
Hacktricks and Port 5357
Hacktricks, a popular online platform, provides a comprehensive repository of hacking techniques, tools, and resources. When it comes to port 5357, Hacktricks offers a wealth of information on how to exploit and defend against attacks targeting this port.
Enumerating Port 5357 using Hacktricks
To begin exploring port 5357 using Hacktricks, follow these steps:
Exploiting Port 5357 using Hacktricks
Once you've enumerated the target system and identified potential vulnerabilities, it's time to exploit port 5357. Hacktricks provides guidance on various exploitation techniques, including:
Defending against Port 5357 Attacks
To protect your systems against port 5357 attacks, follow these best practices:
Conclusion
Port 5357, a commonly overlooked port, has become a prime target for hackers and penetration testers. By understanding the significance of this port and leveraging Hacktricks, you can stay one step ahead of potential threats. Remember to always follow best practices for securing your systems and stay up-to-date with the latest hacking techniques and defense strategies.
Additional Resources
FAQs
By following this guide and staying informed, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the complex world of port 5357 and cybersecurity. Happy hacking!
Port 5357 is typically associated with the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI), a Microsoft implementation of the WS-Discovery protocol. It allows devices like printers and scanners to be automatically discovered on a local network.
While HackTricks does not currently have a dedicated page for Port 5357, the port is an extension of standard Windows network discovery services. Here is the technical breakdown for security assessment and enumeration. Port 5357 Service Details Protocol: TCP Service: Web Services for Devices (WSD) / wsdapi
Process: Often identified as mshttpapi or part of the Windows HTTP Server Stack.
Function: It provides an HTTP-based discovery mechanism. When accessed via a browser, it may return a "404 Not Found" or a simple status message if the service is active but not configured to serve a root page. Enumeration & Pentesting Approach port 5357 hacktricks
If you encounter Port 5357 during a scan, you can use these methods to gather more information:
Banner Grabbing & Nmap Scanning:Identify the specific version of the HTTP server running on the port. nmap -sV -p 5357 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Information Leakage Check:Port 5357 has been noted as a potential source for information leaks. Use tools like curl to check for XML responses that might reveal device names, manufacturer details, or network configurations. curl -v http:// Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Cross-Referencing WS-Discovery (UDP 3702):Since 5357 is the HTTP unicast part of WSD, it is often paired with UDP port 3702, which handles multicast discovery. Pentesting the UDP discovery service can often provide more detailed device information than the TCP port alone. Vulnerability Context
System Identification: If this port is open, it strongly indicates the target is a Windows-based system (Vista or later) with network discovery enabled.
Attack Surface: While there are no widespread "one-click" exploits for Port 5357 itself, it increases the target's attack surface by confirming the operating system and potentially leaking internal metadata about connected hardware.
Remediation: If network discovery is not required, this service can be disabled by turning off "Network Discovery" in the Windows Sharing settings or blocking the port via Windows Defender Firewall. How to block TCP port 445 in Windows - ManageEngine
Step 1: Open the Control Panel Step 2: Click on Windows Firewall/ Windows Defender firewall Step 3: Navigate to advanced settings. ManageEngine Penetration Testing: Re: Port 5357 -- Vista SP1 ???
Port 5357 is primarily associated with Web Services for Devices (WSDAPI) on Windows systems. While HackTricks—a popular cybersecurity resource—doesn't have a dedicated "Port 5357" page, it discusses the relevant underlying protocols and common exploitation methods for similar Windows services. Service Overview: Port 5357 Protocol: HTTP. Service: Web Services for Devices (WSDAPI).
Purpose: Allows Windows to automatically discover and communicate with local network devices like printers and scanners.
Security Context: By default, Windows Firewall often allows traffic to this port on private or domain networks, making it a potential target for unauthenticated remote users. Review: Exploitation & Risks
From a penetration testing perspective, port 5357 is often a "quiet" target used for gathering information or facilitating lateral movement rather than direct RCE (Remote Code Execution).
Information Disclosure: This is the most common use case. Attackers can query the WSD interface to leak device hostnames, printer names, network paths, and device metadata useful for fingerprinting a target.
Historical Vulnerabilities: A critical vulnerability (MS09-063) previously allowed remote code execution through specially crafted WSD messages on ports 5357/5358. While patched in modern systems, it serves as a reminder of the risks of leaving this API exposed.
Lateral Movement & Relaying: Attackers can abuse these services to force unauthenticated NTLM authentication, which can then be relayed to other services.
Surface Area: Port 5357 essentially hosts a built-in web server. If not properly managed, it can expose administrative interfaces for printers or IoT devices. Verdict for Pentesters
If you find port 5357 open during a scan, it is rarely a "silver bullet" for immediate access. However, it is a high-value source for reconnaissance in an Active Directory environment. Use tools like nmap with HTTP-enumeration scripts to see what information the device is broadcasting. If you are hardening a system, this port should generally be blocked or restricted to trusted local segments. Penetration Testing: Re: Port 5357 -- Vista SP1 ???
is used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI) , a Microsoft protocol for discovering and communicating with devices like printers and scanners over HTTP in local networks. PentestPad
While HackTricks does not currently have a dedicated standalone page for Port 5357, this port is essentially a Web Service (HTTP)
, and the techniques for pentesting it are covered under their broader web and Windows discovery guides. 1. Identify the Service Port 5357 typically runs a web server that responds to WS-Discovery requests. You can confirm the service details using Nmap: nmap -sV -p 5357
The most common vulnerability on this port is leaking metadata. Attackers can often retrieve: and computer names. Printer/Scanner models and manufacturer details. Internal network paths and device metadata useful for further targeting. PentestPad 3. Enumeration via Browser
Since it is HTTP-based, you can try accessing it directly in a browser:
The silent hum of the server room was broken only by the rhythmic blinking of a workstation. An analyst, following a standard pentesting methodology from HackTricks , noticed a curious entry in an Port 5357 (TCP)
Tracing the digital breadcrumbs, the analyst discovered this port belongs to the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI)
, a Microsoft service designed to let devices like printers and scanners "plug-and-play" over a network. While helpful for office efficiency, it was a known Information Disclosure
risk, leaking hostnames and metadata that could be used for fingerprinting the internal environment.
The story took a darker turn as the analyst dug into legacy vulnerabilities. In older systems like Windows Vista and Server 2008, a critical memory corruption flaw (MS09-063) once allowed attackers to achieve Remote Code Execution
simply by sending a message with a "specially crafted" long header. Though patched years ago, this specific port remains a subtle marker of a machine's network discovery configuration, often accessible if the Windows Firewall is set to anything other than "Public". To secure the network, the analyst recommended: Filtering access
to Port 5357 so it is only reachable on trusted local subnets. Disabling Network Discovery for public profiles via Advanced Sharing Settings. Unchecking WSD ports in printer properties if they are not strictly required.
The investigation concluded with a reminder: even the most convenient "plug-and-play" features can become an open door if left unmonitored.
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad
Port 5357: Deep Dive into WSDAPI and Network Discovery In modern Windows environments, port 5357 (TCP) is a frequently encountered service that often appears during internal network scans. While it is a standard component for device discovery, it can provide valuable information for penetration testers or present a security risk if mismanaged. What is Port 5357?
Port 5357 is primarily used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI), which is Microsoft's implementation of the WS-Discovery protocol. Its core function is to allow devices on a local network—such as printers, scanners, and file shares—to advertise their presence and discover one another without the need for manual configuration or a central server. Service Name: http Protocol: TCP (typically) Associated Port: 5358 (often used as the HTTPS counterpart)
Operating Systems: Primarily Windows Vista and later, including Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server. How WSDAPI Works
The discovery process usually begins with a multicast message over UDP port 3702. Once a device is discovered and a handshake is completed, further communication and data exchange move to TCP port 5357 (HTTP) or TCP port 5358 (HTTPS).
This allows applications like the Windows Print Spooler or Windows Fax and Scan to communicate directly with WSD-enabled hardware. Many network printers from manufacturers like HP, Brother, Canon, and Epson expose a WSD endpoint on this port by default. Penetration Testing and Information Leakage
From a security perspective, port 5357 is often scrutinized for potential information leakage. Even without active exploitation, an open port 5357 can disclose: Related searches (suggested terms): port 5357 WSD, WSD
Device Metadata: Printer names, hostnames, and network paths.
Fingerprinting: Details about the operating system and service versions.
Lateral Movement: Exposed printer admin pages may allow attackers to intercept print jobs or move through the network. Notable Vulnerabilities
Historically, WSDAPI has been subject to critical vulnerabilities:
CVE-2009-2512 (MS09-063): A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability. Attackers could send a crafted WS-Discovery message with an overly long "MIME-Version" string to execute arbitrary code with service-level privileges.
CVE-2020-0796 (SMBGhost): While primarily an SMBv3 vulnerability, some research has linked WSD-exposed interfaces to broader exploit chains in similar network discovery contexts. Detection and Mitigation
To verify if port 5357 is active on a machine, administrators can use the following command in a Windows Command Prompt:netstat -abno | findstr 5357 Recommended Security Measures
Disable Network Discovery: If the machine is on a public network, disable "Network Discovery" in the Advanced sharing settings of the Control Panel.
Firewall Filtering: Ensure the Windows Firewall is configured to only allow connections on port 5357 from the local network (LAN) and never from the public internet.
Patching: Regularly update Windows systems to mitigate legacy vulnerabilities like MS09-063.
Use Alternative Protocols: In high-security environments, consider replacing WSD with more authenticated protocols like IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) or LPD.
Or perhaps you'd like to explore how to disable this port via Group Policy? PentestPad
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad
No Authentication by Default
SSRF via WSD
DOS / Replay Attacks
Older Windows versions (7, Server 2008 R2, early 2016) had a RCE via crafted ProbeMatches message. Exploit code exists on Exploit-DB.
If you need specific commands, exploitation scenarios, or detailed enumeration steps for port 5357 as documented in HackTricks, I recommend checking the HackTricks website directly or searching within their content.
Port 5357 is used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI), a Microsoft implementation of WS-Discovery. This service allows devices on a local network—like printers, scanners, and file shares—to advertise and discover services without a central server.
The "HackTricks" approach to this port typically involves information disclosure and enumeration rather than direct, modern exploits. 🛠️ Feature: Service Information Enumeration
The primary "feature" of an open port 5357 is its ability to leak metadata about the host and its connected peripherals.
Device Fingerprinting: By querying this port, an attacker can discover hostnames, network paths, and unique device metadata.
WSD Address Discovery: WSDAPI typically listens on TCP 5357/5358 after receiving broadcast messages on UDP 3702. Capturing these broadcasts reveals a target's UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), which is required to trigger certain legacy vulnerabilities.
Infrastructure Recon: An open 5357 often signals a Windows environment where "Network Discovery" is enabled for "Private" or "Domain" firewall profiles. ⚠️ Potential Vulnerabilities
While modern Windows versions are more secure, port 5357 has historically been associated with:
Remote Code Execution (RCE): Older versions (Windows Vista and Server 2008) were vulnerable to memory corruption (CVE-2009-2512) via malformed WSD headers.
Unauthorized Interface Access: Poorly secured WSD services can expose web-based admin pages for printers or scanners, potentially allowing attackers to view or submit print jobs.
Lateral Movement: The metadata gathered from WSD can help an attacker identify other internal targets, such as workstations and shared resources, within the same subnet. 🛡️ Best Practices
Filter Public Profiles: Port 5357 should never be open to the internet and should ideally be filtered even on public local networks.
Network Segmentation: Keep WSD-enabled devices on a separate VLAN to limit the reach of an information leak.
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad
The fluorescent lights of the server room hummed in a frequency that always gave Elena a mild headache. She cracked her knuckles, the sound sharp in the quiet room. On her screen, the target was a mid-sized accounting firm—let's call them "Ledger & Sons"—who had failed their annual penetration test.
Her job was simple: find the weakness before the bad guys did.
Elena scanned the IP range. Most ports were what she expected: 443 for the web server, 22 for SSH (hardened, thankfully), and 139/445 for file sharing. But one port glowed like a red thumb on her Nmap output.
PORT STATE SERVICE
5357/tcp open wsd
"Web Services for Devices," Elena muttered to herself, opening a new tab in her browser. She navigated to HackTricks, the bible for modern penetration testers. She typed the port number into the search bar.
The page loaded, confirming her suspicion. Port 5357 was used by Windows for WS-Discovery (WSD). It was a protocol designed to help devices find each other on a network—printers announcing their presence, laptops looking for scanners. But as HackTricks noted, it was often the Achilles' heel of lazy network configurations. This article is part of the HackTricks-style knowledge base
"In an Active Directory environment," she read, "if this port is exposed to the internet or an untrusted zone, it can leak a wealth of information without authentication."
Elena leaned forward. The Nmap script scanner (-sV) had identified the service, but she needed more than just a version number. She needed a name.
She pulled up her terminal. According to HackTricks, the best way to interact with this service wasn't a complex exploit script, but a simple, specially crafted UDP packet sent to the multicast address. However, since she was testing from the outside, she had to target the specific IP directly.
If this was a Windows machine, and if it was chatty, she could force it to identify itself.
She typed the command, referencing a specific Python script found in the HackTricks references, a tool designed to send a Probe directive.
python wsd_probe.py target-ip
She hit Enter.
For a second, nothing happened. Then, the terminal flooded with XML data.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<soap:Envelope...>
...
<wsa:Address>urn:uuid:56e-etc...</wsa:Address>
...
<pub:Computer>LEDGER-DC01</pub:Computer>
...
Elena smirked. "Gotcha."
The machine on Port 5357 had just introduced itself. It wasn't just a workstation; LEDGER-DC01 was a Domain Controller. The most sensitive machine in the entire infrastructure, the keys to the kingdom, was responding to anonymous queries on a port that should have been firewalled.
But the HackTricks page had warned about a darker possibility. Sometimes, this port was tied to the "Network Discovery" feature, which utilized the LLMNR (Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution) and NBNS protocols. While this was technically a different vector, they often overlapped in misconfigurations.
Elena decided to press her luck. She modified her probe, attempting to spoof a request.
If the system was configured poorly—and the fact that 5357 was open to the internet suggested it was—she might be able to see what other devices LEDGER-DC01 trusted.
She crafted a second packet, this time pretending to be a printer looking for a driver share.
The response came back instantly. The server provided a list of workgroups, including one named LEDGER-ADMIN, and detailed endpoint references for network shares that hadn't been mapped during the initial scan.
<xaddr>http://LEDGER-DC01:5357/37482...</xaddr>
It was a small leak, but in cybersecurity, leaks sink ships. With the hostname LEDGER-DC01 confirmed, Elena could now launch a targeted brute-force attack or a password spraying attempt against the VPN portal. She didn't need to guess the username format anymore; she knew the naming convention.
She closed her laptop and rubbed her temples. The headache was still there, but the satisfaction of a successful find dulled the pain.
She opened her report editor and began typing the executive summary.
"Recommendation: Block Port 5357/tcp on the perimeter firewall immediately. The exposed WS-Discovery service allowed for the enumeration of the primary Domain Controller hostname ('LEDGER-DC01') and internal network topology without authentication."
She added a footnote: Reference: HackTricks - Pentesting 5357 Port.
It was a classic case of convenience overriding security. Microsoft had enabled the service by default to make networking "plug and play," but for a hacker, it was a "plug and play" welcome mat. Elena saved the file. Ledger & Sons were going to have a long week of patching ahead of them.
Port 5357 is used by Microsoft's Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI) for local network discovery of devices like printers, and it is frequently targeted in penetration testing to gather host metadata and network information. Although not covered by HackTricks, this service often leaks information and can be mitigated by disabling Network Discovery in the Windows Control Panel or configuring firewall rules. More detailed port analysis can be found on PentestPad PentestPad
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad
I notice you're asking about "port 5357 hacktricks" — are you looking for security research related to port 5357 (often associated with WSDAPI / Web Services on Devices or Microsoft WER), or specifically for a known article or write‑up from HackTricks?
Just to clarify:
HackTricks (by Carlos Polop) is a well‑known pentesting and CTF resource, but as far as I’m aware, there is no dedicated “port 5357 HackTricks paper” in the official HackTricks repository. There might be:
Could you clarify what exactly you’re looking for? For example:
If you’re trying to find if port 5357 is interesting for pentesting:
Yes — it can sometimes be exploited for SSRF, internal host discovery, or NTLM relay if a vulnerable service is listening. Check if the service responds to http://<target>:5357 — some WSD implementations leak system information.
Port 5357: WSDAPI Enumeration and Penetration Testing Port 5357 (TCP) is primarily used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI), Microsoft's implementation of the WS-Discovery protocol. It allows Windows systems to automatically discover and communicate with network-connected devices like printers, scanners, and file shares over HTTP. In a penetration testing context, this port is often a target for fingerprinting Windows environments or exploiting legacy memory corruption vulnerabilities. Service Overview
WSDAPI facilitates a "plug-and-play" network experience. It typically utilizes: TCP Port 5357: HTTP-based communication. TCP Port 5358: HTTPS-based communication (secure channel). UDP Port 3702: Multicast discovery (WS-Discovery).
The service is generally active on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 and later. Enumeration and Information Gathering
During a network assessment, port 5357 is highly useful for fingerprinting the target system. 1. Nmap Scanning
You can use Nmap to identify the service and its version. Since it runs over HTTP, standard service discovery flags are effective: nmap -p 5357 -sV Use code with caution.
Nmap typically identifies this as http or microsoft-httpapi. If the port appears open on every host in a subnet, it may be due to network-level forwarding or a firewall configuration rather than the service actually being active on every individual host. 2. Service Metadata
WSDAPI can leak significant metadata that aids in lateral movement: Hostnames and computer names. Device metadata such as printer models or scanner types. Network paths and file share locations. Known Vulnerabilities and Exploitation MS09-063: Memory Corruption (CVE-2009-2512)
One of the most critical vulnerabilities associated with WSDAPI is a stack-based buffer overflow.
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad
# Check if open
nmap -p 5357 <target>
HackTricks often notes that port 5357 may be: